Bangladesh is searching for nearly two trillion taka that was allegedly transferred abroad during Sheikh Hasina’s government. The interim government has sought assistance from the UK government regarding this issue. They are investigating whether individuals associated with Sheikh Hasina’s government accumulated assets in the UK and other countries. Ahsan H. Mansur, the governor of Bangladesh Bank, stated that approximately £13 billion (equivalent to two trillion taka) might have been transferred abroad through the country’s banking system. The authorities suspect that assets were accumulated in the UK, Singapore, the US, and the UAE.
As part of the investigation, Bangladesh specifically inquired about the source of £150 million worth of property purchased by Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, the former land minister of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The UK High Commissioner visited Bangladesh Bank to discuss the matter and offered technical assistance. While UK officials confirmed the meeting, they did not provide details of the discussions.
Ahsan H. Mansur also mentioned that such a large amount of money could not have been moved abroad without the prime minister’s knowledge. However, the investigation is still in its early stages. Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 amid student protests. Attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful.
This situation might be uncomfortable for the Labour government in the UK, as Sheikh Hasina’s niece, Tulip Siddiq, serves as a minister in the City of London. However, there have been no indications so far that she was involved in any wrongdoing.
Additionally, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, head of the interim government, has also discussed recovering the embezzled funds with the British High Commissioner. Yunus’s government is prioritizing the recovery of money stolen and transferred abroad.
Sheikh Hasina’s tenure saw allegations of corruption, human rights violations, and election fraud. A student-led protest eventually led to the downfall of her government.
